Process of weaving multiply tubular fabric and apparatus therefor



M. P. DU PRAY. PROCESS OF WEAVING MULTIPLY TUBULAR FABRIC AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. I4. I916. 1,357,967, Patented NOV 9, 1920.

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PROCESS OF WEAVING MULTIPLY TUBULAR FABRIC AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

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PROCESS OF WEAVING MULTIPLY TUBULAR FABRIC AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. l4, I916.

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155 a/io 103 I HI :flf ja m Maw MAGLOIS P. DU PRAY, OF TRENTON, NEW JERSEY.

PROCESS OF WEAVING' MULTIPLY TUBULAR FABRIC AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 9, 1920.

Application filed January 14, 1916. Serial No. 72,152.

To all whom 1'2 may concern..-

Be it known thatI, MAGLOIS P. DU PRAY, a citizen of the United States, residin at Trenton, in the county of Mercer and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Processes of 'eaving Multiply Tubular Fabric and Apparatus Therefor, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to processes of weaving multi-ply tubular fabric and apparatus therefor; and it comprises a process of weaving a preliminary tubular fabric and substantially simultaneously weaving a secondary or outer tubular fabric in place upon the first tubular fabric, the direction of weaving of the preliminary tubular fabric advantageously being in a direction opposite to the direction of weaving of the secondary or the outer tubular fabric; and it comprises an apparatus having a plurality of sets of shuttles, weaving plns, heddles, warp and weft thread tensioning devices, and operating mechanism for each set of such devices arranged in such manner that one set will operate to weave fabric upon a tube of fabric preliminarily woven by the other set, and advantageously arranged to cause one set of said devices to weave a circular ply of fabric in one direction while the other set weaves a circular ply of fabric in the opposite direction but directly upon the ply woven by said first set of devices; the invention also comprises a duplex circular loom having superimposed shuttles and means for operating the shuttles at one elevation in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the shuttles of another elevation, together with a set of heddles for each set of shuttles prises certain improvements in shuttles for duplex circular looms, in take-oil mechanism for pulling thefinished multi-ply fabric fromthe weaving pin after the last ply of fabrichas been woven, certainimprovements in warp and weft tensioning means, and certain improvements in heddles and heddle-operating 'mechanism; all as more full hereinafter set forth and as claimed.

l\ ulti-ply tubular fabric has heretofore been commercially manufactured to some extent by an expensive and diflicult process consisting in the separate and independent weaving of two single-ply tubes of fabric and in the drawin of one of said tubes within the other. Machines for drawing one tube into a second must be powerful as there is a tremendous amount offriction between the inner and outer tubes; It has also been proposed to interweave the different plies of circular double ply fabric.

It is a desideratuin in the art to which the present invention relates to produce a multiply tubular device such as gas tubing, fire engine hose, and the like, in an inexpensive and thoroughly eificient manner without the necessity of drawing one tube within another and without resorting to complicated inter ply weaving apparatus. I accomplish this in my process and in my new loom by weaving one ply of fabric directly upon another and advantageously in such manner that interstices or rugosities of the nethermost or inner ply are filled by thethreads of the uppermost or outer ply, whereby the 'two plies are in effect locked together in surface engagement and the non-leakable properties enhanced.

chine together with the improved details which adapt it for its purpose, as well as the process which may be performed by other mechanism or by the particular loom here disclosed. v

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional elevation of the duplex loom, showing superimposed shuttles.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view in section-on lines IIII (Fig. 1), showing the take up Fig. 9 is a detail cross-section of the shuttle on line IX (Fig. 4), showing one pair of the ball'bearing traction wheels, one in section, and one in elevation.

F i 10 isa cross-section of one shuttle on line (Fig. 4) showing the bobbin in section, and. the weft thread tension equalizer, in end elevation.

Fi 11 is a cross-section'of a shuttle on line I I (Fig. 4) showing an end view of the bobbin holder opening arm.

Fig. 12 is a cross-section of a shuttle on line XII (Fig. 4) showing the tension device for the weft threads. v i

Fig. 13 is a cross-section of one of the ball bearing shuttle spreader supports.

Fig. 14 is a cross-section of one of the weft thread tension equalizers.

Fig. 15 is an enlarged detail vertical section of warp tensionequalizers and heddle frame.

Fig. 16 isa perspective View of a lower portion of one of the heddle frames.

Fig. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of the heddles. I s

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the heddle frames and their operating mechanism.

I ig. 19is an enlarged sectional elevation of finished fabric take-up rolls, parts being broken away toshow certain details.

Fig. 20 is a sectional plan view of the take-up rolls.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of one of the I take-up roll gripper pin bars.

In the drawings, 1 indicates t e base of the loom upon whichare mounted the framing uprights 2 which support the shuttle guides or race-way annular frames 3, 4, 5

and 6. Tubular column 7 is secured to the 1 base 1 by the bolts 8 passing through flanges 9, and free running heddle-operating drums 10 and 11 are journaled around this tubular column.

The drum 10 is provided with an integral hub extension 12 upon which is fixedly mounted the beveled gear 13, and, correspondingly, the cam drum 11 is provided with a hub'extension 14 upon which is fix edly mounted the oppositely disposed beveled gear 15. These beveled gears and thus the drums (10 and 11). are driven in opposite directions by beveled pinion 16 fixed to the main drive'shaft 17. This drive shaft has a bearing in one of the vertical uprights (2) and 1s gournaled 1n a bracket 18 mountof shuttles through the cam drums (as more fully hereinafter described), and also drives the shuttles through the spur gear 19 which is fixed upon the upper hub extension 20 of drum (10). This spur gear (19) drives a plurality of circumferentially disposed shuttle operating pinions 21 mounted on a plurality of vertical shuttle driving shafts 22. The lower shuttle disposed between the shuttle' race-way annular frames (3 and 4) is v driven by the horizontally disposed spirallycut spur pinions 23 meshing with the segments of splral cut external rack or toothed annulus 24 mounted upon the frames and webbing 25 of the shuttles. These segments and pinions are cut spirally to eliminate some ofthe noise prevalent where straight out teeth are used. The upper shuttles disposed between shuttle race-way annular frames (5 and 6) are driven by the horizontal. centrally disposed spiral out pinion 26, meshing with internal rack or toothed annulus 26.

Shuttles.

The construction of the shuttles may be thesame, the upper set however being inverted with respect to the lower set. The frame (25) of each shuttle carries ball bearing traction wheels 27 which comprise outer flanged ball. race-way 28 provided with an inwardly disposed stem or bolt and threaded portion29 for clamping to the frame (25) by nut 30. The traction wheel also is provided with an inner flanged ball race-way 31 which is threaded to fit the stem (29) and which acts as a lock-nut. This race-way may be adjustably clamped to take up all lost motionin thefree bearingrings or treads 32 and 33 bearing on the tapering shuttle guide tracks 34 and 35. Lost motion can be taken up 'by releasing nut 30 and turning stem (29) in flange (31) byv the. hexagon socket 36, thus drawing rings (32) and (33) together. In shuttles as heretofore made there are no successful expedients for taking up lost motion, and since the shuttles must travel at a considerable rate there is always more or less wear. According to my invention I provide the above described wear compensating device with a result that ultimately there is less wear on the tracks and on the wheels because as slight wear occurs the parts may be adjusted and the knocking which results in augmenting the wear eliminated. The traction rolls may be provided with felt washers as is shown at 37, 38 and 39, to prevent greaseworking out and the lint from the threads working in. The bearing rings (32 and 33) may be hardened on their surfaces to prevent excessive the conical bearing surface rolls over the radial slits 40 in the tracks, which slits are provided to receive the warp threads. The

parallel sliding relation of the conical rings.

to the ,tracks is such that all chattering, and attending noises, are eliminated. One of the main advantages of my improved shuttle is that the filling or weft thread may beused from universally wound bobbins; and these bobbins may be of the commercial form now to be found upon the market. As the v thread comes from the mill it is wound on straight paper tubes and these tubes may be used as the bobbins in my shuttle without any rewinding on other spools, cops or other formsof spindle. The shuttle is provided with an arm 41 fulcrumed at 42 on thebobbin-center bracket 43-. To place the bobbin in the shuttle this arm (41) is lifted to the position shown in. Fig. 8 (so far as the lower shuttles are concerned). Cam 44, integral with the arm, engages a projecting pin 45 mounted to slide in sleeve 46 of bracket (43). This pin (45) projects from the center cone 47 which is housed in the sleeve (46), coiled spring 48 serving to normally project the cone center. As main arm (41) is lifted, the cone is retracted from engagement by the-cam (44) with the pin. The cam is provided on its periphery with a depression 49 which serves to limit the movement of.- the arm and to yieldingly lock the arm. in lifted position. The right hand spindle 50 is also retracted by the movement of arm (41) through depending auxiliary arm 51, knee piece 52 and slide 53 which engages conical cup. 54 surroundingthe right hand center (50). As the slide (53) is moved toward the right, because of the elevation of arm 41, the conical cup (54) and center or cone (50) are moved toward the right in substantial unison with the opposite movement of cone or center (47). Spring 55 serves to hold the right hand center and conical cup in normal osition. This cup 1 (54) engages the perip cry of the bobbin and as the latter gradually diminishes in diameter feeds forwardly and, the spring (55) gradually losing its tension, causes the' cup to exert a graduallydecreasing pres sure u on the right hand edge of the bobbin. n its open position the arm (41) has drawn away the two cone centers and also has lifted any warp threads that may be lyihg across it, such warp threads having.

been previously released from tension in the manner hereinafter described. The bobbin is merely placed in position by one hand and the arm (41) is brought to a horizontal plane. This releases the centers so that they may enter the opposite ends of the paper tube 56 and the conical cup (54) engages the periphery of the bobbin at one end. As stated, as the bobbin unwinds the tension is maintained in proportional relation to the diameter of the bobbin and the peripheral unwinding speed. Spring (55) gradually weakens and the knee piece (52) gradually settles back to close proximity to arm extension (51) as is shown in dotted lines in Fig. 7. The upper set of shuttles is identical with the lower set except that it is in inverted position and the arm (41) is lowered to remove the bobbin and replace a new one, in lieuof being raised. In operation they work in synchronism. y

The weft thread coming from the bobbin (see Fig. 4) is designated by the reference letter A. As it unwinds from the bobbin it passes over a conical tension spindle 57 (shown in section in Fig; 14). This spindle is held free to revolve on adjustable post 58 mounted in arm 59, fulcrumed on ear 60, integral with the shuttle frame. 61 is a leather washer interposed between arm (59) and spindle (57) against which the spindle rotates. The arm (59) is provided with a spring equalizer connection 62 coupled at 63 on arm (59) and having its other end guided in the socket 64 swiveled at 65 to the frame (25). Spring (62) interposed between the arm (59) and socket 64 imparts a downward movement to the spindle (57) in the case of the shuttles of the lower frame and an upward movement of the spindle 57 in the case of the shuttles of the upper frame when the thread in unwinding travels from one end of the bobbin to the other, thus centralizing the thread and egualizing the lengthenin and shortening 0 the thread due to the di erences in length of the thread from different points of the bobbin to the spindle. The weft. thread passes over the spindle (57), over the shivewheel 66, to the conical grooved tension wheels 67 and 68, and suchthread may be passed back and forth over these latter two wheelsuntil the proper tension is attained. Tension wheels (67) and (68) are freely mounted on studs 69 and 70, on an arm 71 of the frame (25) and each wheel is pressed against friction washers 72 by spring 7 3 adjustable by nuts 74. From the tension wheels (67) and (68) the weft or filling thread passes through guide 75 and alternately under and over spring tension fingers bearing ontwo or more of these wheels.

layer. These traction wheels or rollers are spaced equally around the weaving pm 250 and thus the layer arm will always haveIa n actual use I provide six of these wheels. The layer will tend to pack the weft thread as it rotates around the weaving pin and is firmly, but yieldably, held against the threads by means of these wheels. Wheels 78 are pivoted at 79 and have a shelf 81 projecting from arm 80. Between this shelf and the loom frame there is interposed a coil spring 82 which serves to yieldingly hold the layer in proximity with the weaving 1n. grovides a yielding bearing for the shuttle as a whole. The layer is provided with a compensating arm 83, which is connected at one end 84 to the shuttle frame and at the other end 85 to the layer. This compensating arm is provided with a screw-threaded portion 83 located in socket 86 and may be adjustably set therein by nut 87 and locked into position by nut 88. The socket 86 slides in sleeve 89. Located within the socket and bearing on the shouldered portion 90 is a. coiled compression spring 91 which serves to hold the portion 83 in a forwardly extended position. The spring finds its bearing at the opposite end 92 in a cup 93 This compensating device is advantageous in that it compels the layer to uniformly pack the threads, even though there may be considerable vibration in the shuttle and even though there may ultimately be some wear in the working parts.

' There is very little difference between the upper and-lower shuttles. The different features of the upper shuttle, disposed between frames 5 and 6, comprise as shown in Figs. 3 and 6, centrally disposed spiral pinions (26), which are mounted on the upper end. of the shafts (22) andngage an internal rack (26 on the shuttle frame 97. The internal rack (26 transmits the rotation in a direction opposite to the direction of the lower shuttle. (See the arrows on Figs. 3 and 4.) The upper shuttle is inverted with relation to the lower. The operator therefore in inserting bobbins in the upper and lower shuttles can operate from the upper side of frame (4) to insert the lower bobbin and from the under side of frame (5) to insert the upper one. The upper shuttle opening arm (41) opens downwardly as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 6.

Hvrhfles and lied-(He operating mechanism.

In my circular loom substantial, heavy heddle, bars 101 may be used (see Figs. 17 and 18). Each is provided with the usual eye 102 and each is secured at one end in groove 103 out in a rectangular bar 104. Any means for securing these heddle bars in place may be used but I have shown ordi- This packs the weft thread as well as v nary screws 105 for this purpose. This construction is advantageous in that one heddle bar and frame can be removed if necessary without displacement of any of the others.

There are two separately operated sets of heddles, one for the lower warp threads and one for the upper warp threads. The lower set of heddles project upwardly and bar (104) of each is mounted in a framing consisting of rectangular vertical bars 106 secured together by crossbars 107. These bars are mortised in place, and the lower bars 107 of the outer set of lower heddle frames are connected by links 108 to the levers 109 fulcrumed on studs 110 in brackets 111. Projecting upwardly and integral with the levers (109) are spur gear segments 112, meshing with spur gear segments 113 which, in turn. are integral with levers 114. The levers 114 are fulcrumed at 115 and are connected by links 116 to the lower crossbars (107) of the inner set of lower heddles. Levers 114 are provided with cam arms 118 'to which. are journaled loosely revoluble rollers 115) in engagement with the grooved cam 120 in drum (10). Rotation of this drum imparts the proper movement to the levers (114) which, in turn, operate the crossbars (107) and the heddles connected thereto. Levers (114) also, through engagement of segmental gears (112) and (113), impart the proper motion and the synchronizing motion to levers (109) which, in turn, through links (108) and crossbars (107), impart a motion in the opposite direction to the other frames of heddles of the lower sets. The cam drums make one revolution in the same direction as and in the same relation to their respective shuttles.

The other cam drum 11 is provided with. peripheral groove cam 121 in which travel the loosely j ournaled rollers 122 on cam arms 123 of levers 124. Levers 124 are pivoted on studs 110 and are provided with the segmental gears 125 meshing with segmental gears 126 on the upper heddle operating levers 127. These levers are fulcrumed at 128 and have connecting links 129 to the lower crossbars 130 of the u per heddle frames 131. Levers 124 carry t e pivoted links 132 connected to the lower crossbars 133 on the other frames 134 of the upper sets of heddles. These two frames of the upper set of heddles are connected at the top by bars 135. The lower heddle frames (106) slide in the frames (131 and 134) of the upper heddles and are held in alinement by lugs (1.36) on uprights (2).

Each heddle frame of each heddle set must reciprocate in opposite direction to its companion but in unison with the particular shuttles for which it is making the shed. v And since these shuttles are driven directly from the drums and since the heddles are driven directly from the drums, it is a very 145, secured to the bedp1ate (1).

simple matter to synchronize the whole loom. The advantageous feature of this heddle construction and heddle operating mechanism .is that the heddles may be driven in syn- 1 Warp thread tension- 11g means.

The warp threads B coming from their respective spools must be tensioned. They passthrough guide bushings 141 over rods 142 and under rods 113. Both sets of these rods may be removable but I ordinarily make only the upper set of the rods 142 removable and I use a suflicient number of these to secure the correct tension as the exigencies of the process warrant. These rods are located in grooves in the brackets From these rods the warp thread passes over ten sion or evening rolls 146. As the shed is changed there is, of course, a slackening of the warp thread with a resultant difference in the length of the thread at the angle when the shed is formed and central crossing position. There should be some means provided to maintain the proper tension on the thread and to take up this slack. For this purposearms 147 are )ivoted at 148 on the rackets (145). To t e upper aortions of these arms are journaled the-rol s 146 over which the warp thread B passes. These rolls are free to revolve in bearings 149 on arms 147 and have projecting axles 151 which are adapted to seat in cutaway bearings 152 on links 153. Links 153 are piw oted.at 154 to the heddle frames 106 in the case of the lower heddlesxand frame (134) in the case of the upper heddles and are further provided with sockets 155. The rolls (146) may have a surface of leather, fabric or other friction material and may be placed under regulation by means of the brakes156having linings of leather or other.

friction material 157 and normally pressed against the periphery of the rolls by means of stems 158 riding in sockets 159-and coiled compression springs 160 in the sockets. iVinged nuts and screws 161 may be used for adjusting the tension of the springs, Washers 162 being placed in the sockets to give a surface against which the lower end of the spring contacts. When it is necessary for the operator or attendant to change the bobbin in the shuttle, the tension of the Warp threads should be released and this is done by lifting a handle 163 on links 153 and pushing mwardly on a handle 164 on arm order not to injure the fabric.

147 until the projecting axles or hubs 151 seat in the sockets (155) on links (153). During the opening and closing of the shed the links (153) positively maintain the evening rolls (146) the correct distance from the heddles and thus keep constant the warp thread tension. After the length of the links (153) is determined with respect to the tension or evening rolls 146, the tension of the threads is constant because of the connection of the arms 153 with the heddle arms,

The upper warp tension device is substantially the same as the lower except, of course. it is inverted. The upper warp threads C comingup from the opening in the bed (1) from any source are preferably disposed in radial parallel groups in order that the operator may have free access to the shuttles. They may be passed up through in substantially radial alinement with the loom over grooved bars 167, thence over a similar tie bar 168. From this latter'bar they pass under and over tensioning devices in brackets 169 similar to the tensioning devices in brackets (l-15). From these tensionin devices and these brackets the thread; pass around the evening rolls and thence to their respective heddle bars. It may not be necessary to place a spring in the sockets of .the upper warp tensioning devices as the weight of the evening rolls will be ordinarily suiiicient, but I make the upper warp tension roll similar to the lower one except that it is inverted.

W own fabric take-up.

The take-up for the woven fabric comprises two rolls, 201 and 202, the former being free to revolve in journal boxes 204, while the latter is free to revolve in journal boxes 203. Roll 202 is held against roll (201) by the pressure of springs 205 having pressure adjustment in the rear through set screw 206 bearin on the shouldered washer 207. Rolls 201) and (202) are provided. on their peripheries with slots 208, housing gripping pin bars 209. The pins 210 carried by these bars are of sufiicient length to penetrate the outer ply of fabrlc and to engage the inner ply, whereby, as they pull the fabric from the weaving pm, they maintain an even tenslon on both plies. These pins should be of small diameter in Since the pins are operated in a radial direction, there might be a tendency to tear the fabric and therefore, in order to overcome th s, the bars 209 carrying the pins are normally held below the surface of the rolls by springs as guiding means operating in engagement with the shoulders 214 in the roller grooves. Bars (209) are advantageously provided on each side with rollers 215 which engage cam plates 216, integral with the boxes (203) and (204). Thecams 217 on each cam plate serve to force the pin bars outwardly from the rollers and to push the pins into the fabric just at the point where the chordal distance is the shortest, thus preventing the crowding of the fabric between the pins, which would happen if the pins were fixed unyieldingly in the rolls. Ordinarily the springs 211 will serve to withdraw the pins from the fabric, but in order that there may be positive means for accomplishing this, place the guide-plates 218 in position to engage the rolls 215 and force the bars in the slots. Set screws 219 serve for adjustment of roll 201; roll (202) is yieldingly held in position through the screw and spring arrangement described.

Advantageously the rolls are independ-. ently driven by separate pairs of spur gears 220 mounted on upper-counter-shafts 221 and 222 (see Fig. 2) and are driven by shaft 223 through separate worm and worm gear drives 224 and 225. Shaft 223 is driven by a pair ofbeveled gears 226 and 227, the former of which is attached to shaft 223, while the latter is mounted on the vertical shaft 228. Shaft 228'is driven by a vertical disk drive consisting of a plate 229, normally pressed. against a drive wheel 230 by spring 231. Advantageously drive wheel 230 is faced with friction material, such as leather, rawhide or the 'like. For the purpose of adjusting the speed of the take-up rolls, wheel 230 is keyed to shaft 17 and is provided with a grooved hub 231 which is' shrouded by a fork 232 threaded on an adjusting screw 233. The screw finds bearing in bracket 234 attached to the bearing (18).

To start or stop the take-up rolls, a handle 235 is fixed on stud 236 mounted in the bracket 237 on upright 2'. This stud is prodisk (229). When the handle 235 is pulledaway from the upright 2 and downward, it Wlll operate to disengage the disk 229 and the driving pulley 230.

A-hand wheel shaft 243 is-also connectedby knuckle joint 244 to shaft 223 for thepurpose of manually moving the take-up roll.

Immediately after starting the loom in operation, the take-up rolls are thrown intooperating position by moving handle 235,

whereupon they revolve at a predeterminedspeed to pull the double or multi-ply fabric from the weaving-pin. The speed of these rolls may be adjusted by screw (233).

The weaving pin 2'50 constitutes an important feature of my invention. It may be considered as a weaving pin having two weaving surfaces 251 with the connecting portion reduced in diameter. The reduced portion serves to guide the fabric from the lower weaving'surface to the upper.

While I have described my invention as particularly advantageous in the manufacture of multi-ply tubular fabric, it is obvious that the machine may be used for weaving simultaneously two independent hose or tubings, the first one woven being of considerably less diameter than the second.

What I claim is:

1. A multiplex circular loom comprising a base, a central weaving pin having a plurality of weaving surfaces arranged along its length, a plurality of superimposed shuttle raceways and supports therefor, a set of .shuttles arranged for travel in each raceway, means for driving the shuttles, a set of heddles for each set of shuttles, operating mechanism for the heddles, and means for drawing the woven fabric from the weaving pin and from one weaving surface to another.

2. A multiplex circular loom comprising a base, a central weaving pin having a plurality of weaving surfaces arranged at intervalsalong its length, a plurality of suit perimposed shuttle raceways and supports therefor, a set of shuttles arranged for travel in each raceway, mechanism for driving one set of shuttles in one direction and for driving another set in the reverse direction, a set of heddles for each set'of shuttles,

operating mechanism for the heddles, and means for drawing the woven fabric from the weaving pin and from one weaving surface to another.

3. A multiplex circular loom comprising a base, a plurality of shuttle guides arranged in superimposed relation, a set of.

shuttles adapted for travel in each guide, mechanism for driving the shuttles, a set of heddles for each set of shuttles, mechanism for operating the heddles of each set in unison with its complementary shuttle, a plurality of members each having a Weaving surface against which the warp and weft threads from each set of heddles and each shuttle are packed, and means for drawing the fabric from one of said weavmg surfaces. A

4. A multiplex circular loom comprising in combination, a framework, a plurality of weaving surfaces alined within the framework, and a corresponding plurality .of weaving mechanisms operative in relatively difi'erent directions over sald weavof weaving surfaces alined within the frame, a corresponding plurality of weaving mechanisms operative simultaneously to weave a plurality of plies one upon the other. I

6. A multiplex circular loom comprising in combination, a framework, a plurality of weaving surfaces alined within the framework, .and a weaving mechanism operative overeach weaving'surface, said weaving mechanisms being simultaneously operative to successively lay a plurality of plies one upon the other.

7. A multiplex circular loom comprising in combination, a framework, a plurality of weaving surfaces mounted within the framework, and a corresponding plurality of weaving mechanisms operative simultaneously to successively lay a multiplicity of plies one upon the other.

8. A multiplex circular loom comprising in combination, a framework, a plurality of weaving surfaces mounted within the framework, and a corresponding plurality of weaving mechanisms operative simultaneously but in relatively different directions to weave a multiplicity of plies one upon the other.

9. A multiplex circular loom comprising in combination, a framework, a plurality of weaving surfaces alined within the framework, a weaving mechanism operative around each of said weavingsurfaces, and means for progressing fabric from one surface to another, said weaving mechanisms laying a multiplicity of plies one upon the other as the fabric is progressed.

10. A multiplex circular loom comprising in combination, a framework, a plurality of weaving surfaces alined within the framework, and a corresponding plurality of weaving mechanismsoperative simultaneously but rotative in relatively different directions oversaid weaving surfaces.

11. A multiplex circular loom comprising in combination, a framework, a weaving pin mounted in said framework, a plurality of weaving mechanisms operative at intervals along said weaving pin to lay a multiplici-ty of plies one upon the other, and means forremoving the completed fabric from said weaving pin.

12. A multiplex circular loom comprising in combination, a framework, a weaving pin centrally mounted in said framework, a plurality of weaving mechanisms operative simultaneously to weave a multiplicity of plies on said weaving pin one upon the other in successive relation, and means for withdrawing the complete fabric from the weaving pin.

13'. A multiplex circular loom comprising in combination, a framework, aplurality of weaving surfaces alined within the framework, a plurality of weaving mechanisms superimposed in said framework and surrounding said weaving surfaces, said weaving mechanisms being arranged in reversed order with respect to one another, and means for withdrawing fabric woven by said mechanisms away from said weaving surfaces.

let. A multiplex circular loom comprising in combination, a framework, a. plurality of weaving surfaces alined within the framework, a shuttle raceway surrounding each of said weaving surfaces, at set of shuttles in each raceway, each set being inverted with relation to the preceding set, means for operating said shuttles simultaneously for laying a multiplicity of plies, and means for progressing the fabric from one set of shuttles to another.

15. A multiplex circular loom comprising in combination, a framework. a weaving pin having a plurality of weaving surfaces, shuttle mechanisms and corresponding heddle mechanisms, each of said shuttle mechanisms consisting of upper and lower annular trackways, a shuttle frame positioned by and to tative between said trackways, and shuttles incorporated in said frame.

16. A multiplex circular loom comprising in combination, a framework, a weaving pin extending through said framework, a multiplicity of axially alined weaving surfaces spaced on said weaving pin, a shuttle mechanism operative around each of said weaving surfaces, and heddle mechanisms around said frame corresponding to each of said shuttle mechanisms, and means for delivering a woven fabric from one weaving surface to the next toreceive an additional ply.

17. A inultiplex circular loom comprising in combination, a framework, a weaving pin extending through said framework, a plurality of weavingsurfaces spaced on said weaving pin, a shuttle mechanism corresponding to each weaving surface, and operative in relatively opposite directions, heddle mechanisms around said framework corresponding to said shuttle mechanisms. and means for progressing a woven fabric from one weaving surface to the next for the la ing of additional plies.

18. A multiplex circular loom comprising in combination, a framework, a weaving pin. shuttle mechanisms and corresponding heddle mechanisms, weaving surfaces at intervals on said weaving pin, said shuttle mechanisms being spaced to correspond to said weaving surfaces, means for driving said shuttle mechanisms simultaneously but for independent operations, and means for progressing a woven fabric from one weav-,

extending through said framework,a multiplicity of weaving surfaces spaced on said p1n,,me ans for drawing a fabric from one weaving surface to the next, and a plurallty 20. A multiplex circular loom comprising in combination, a framework, a weaving pm extending through said framework, 2. plu-' rality of weaving surfaces spaced on said pin, means for drawing a fabric from one surfaceto the next, and a plurality of simultaneously driven but oppositely operative weaving mechanisms for adding to the structure of the woven fabric at each of said surfaces.

21. A multiplex circular loom comprising in combination, a framework, a weaving in extending through said framework, a p urality of weaving surfaces spaced on said pin, means for drawing a woven fabric from one surface to the'other, and shuttles rotative around each of said weaving surfaces to add to the thickness of the structure of the progressed fabric, and a set of heddles for each of said shuttles. v

22. A multiplex circular. loom comprising in combination, a framework, a weaving pin extending through said framework, a plu rality of weaving surfaces spaced on said pin, means for drawing a fabric from one weaving surface to another, relatively inverted weaving mechanisms positione opposite each of said weaving surfaces, and means for simultaneously driving said weaving mechanisms to lay a multiplicity of plies of the fabric as the latter is progressed from one surface to another.

23. A multiplex circular loom comprising incombination, a framework, a centralized weaving pin extending through said frame work, spaced weaving surfaces on said pin, and mechanisms operative axially around said pin and in connection with said weaving surfaces to weave a multiply fabric.

24. A multiplex circular loom comprisin in combination, a framework, a centralize weaving pin extending through said framework, spaced weaving surfaces on said pin, mechanisms axially operative around said pin in alternately opposite directions to weave a multiply fabric, and means for progressing the fabric from one operative stage to the next. v

25. A duplex circular loom comprising a base, a. central weaving pin having two weaving surfaces, means for weaving multiply fabric thereon comprising an upper and a lower raceway and supports therefor, a set of shuttles arranged for travel in each raceway, the shuttles of one raceway being inverted with respect to the shuttles of the other raceway, means for driving the shuttles. and means for drawingthe woven fabric from the weaving pin.

26. A duplex circular loom comprising a base, two shuttle guides arranged at different elevations with respect to said base, a set of shuttlesadapted for travel in each guide, the shuttle of one guide being inverted with respect to the shuttle of the other guide, mechanism for driving the shuttles, a set of heddles for each set of shuttles, mechanism for operating the heddles of each set in unison with-its com- V plementary shuttle, two members each having' a weaving surface against which the warp and weft threads from each set of' heddles and each shuttle are laid and means for drawing the fabric from one of said weaving surfaces.

27. The combination with a duplex circular loom havinga central weaving member provlded withupper and lower weaving surfaces. and upper and lower shuttle raceways, of shuttles for each raceway, the shuttle of one raceway-being inverted withrespect to the shuttles of the other raceway.

28. In a circular loom'anannular racelway having a pair of tapered vertical tracks thereon and shuttle mechanlsm comprising a shuttle frame, upper and lower grooved wheels carried thereby'and adapted to ride on said tapered tracks and driving means for revolving the shuttles in said raceway.

29. In a circular loom, the combination with the loonrframework, of a plurality of superimposed 'synchronism shuttle mechanisms, each shuttle mechanism consisting of a shuttle raceway; a shuttle-frame operative in said raceway, laying 'mechanism and means for supporting .the'laying mechanism against the work.

30,. In a circular loom, the combination with the loom framework, of a shuttle raceshuttle, means for' supporting the layers way carried, by said framework, shuttles against the work, and additional means to 1 V hold the layers against vibration.

'31. In a circular loom, the combination with a loom framework, of a shuttle raceway, shuttles operative in said raceway, a

layer associated with each shuttle. and

means yieldingly mounted below the layers to support the latter against the work.

32. In a circular loom, the combination with the loom framework, of a shuttleframe, a shuttle raceway carrying said shuttle-frame, shuttles in said shuttle-frame,

layers associated with said shuttles, and a plurality of rollers carried by said framework and providing an interior support to assist in holding the layers against the work.

33. In a circular loom, the combination with the loom framework, of a shuttle frame, a shuttle raceway carrying said shuttle frame, shuttles in said shuttle frame, layers associated with said shuttles, a plurality of traction rollers carried by said frame:

work and providing an interior support over which said layers ride, and means normally pressing said rollers upwardly to support .the layers against the work.

34. In a circular loom, the combination with the loom framework, of a shuttle frame, a shuttle raceway carrying said shuttle frame, shuttles in said shuttle frame, layers associated with said shuttles, and a plurality of traction devices carried by said framework and supporting said layers, each of saidtraction devices consisting of a fulcrumed arm, a traction roller revoluble on said arm, and resilient means cushionlng said arm, whereby there is provided an interior support to hold the layers against the work.

35. In a circular loom, the combination with' a loom framework, of a shuttle frame, a shuttle raceway carrying said shuttle frame, shuttles in said shuttle frame, layers associated with said shuttles, and a yielding support to hold the layers against the work.

36. In a circular loom, the combination with a loom framework, of a shuttle frame, ashuttle raceway carrying said shuttle frame, shuttles in said shuttle frame, layers associated with said shuttles, and a plurality of yieldingly mounted traction rollers carried by said framework and forming an interior support for holding the layers into contact with the work.

37. In a circular loom, the combination with the loom framework, of a shuttle frame, 7

layers carried by said shuttle frame, a' fixed raceway for the shuttle frame, and a yielding 'su port for the layers.

38. n a circular loom, the combination withthe loom framework, of a shuttle frame, an annular receway supporting the outer portion of said frame, layers carried by said shuttle frame, and a plurality of yieldingly mounted rollersproviding a cushioned support for pushing the layers into contact with the-work.

39. In a circular loom, the combination with a loom framework, of a plurality of superimposed shuttle mechanisms, each consisting of a shuttle raceway, a shuttle frame revoluble in said raceway, and shuttles carried by said frame, and means for driving alternate frames in opposite directions, said means consisting of a driving gear, a plurality of driving shafts common to all of said superimposed mechanisms, and driving connections between said shafts and :each of said mechanisms.

40. In a circular loom, the combination with a loom framework, of a plurality of superimposed shuttle mechanisms, each consisting of a shuttle raceway, a shuttle frame revoluble in said raceway, and means for driving alternate frames in opposite directions, said means consisting of a driving gear, a plurality of driving shafts common gear, annular racks surrounding said shuttle frames, and common driving shafts connecting all of said frames with said driving gear, said driving shafts having spaced pinions meshing with said annular racks.

42. In a circular loom, the combination with the loom framework, of a plurality of superimposed shuttle mechanisms, each consisting of a shuttle raceway, a shuttle frame revoluble in said raceway and shuttles carried b said frame, and means for driving said rames, said means consisting of a driving gear, a plurality of shafts driven by said driving gear, said driving shafts extending into proximity with each of said superimposed shuttle mechanisms, a toothed annulus surrounding each of said shuttle frames, and spaced pinions carried by said shafts, each of said pinions meshing with one of said toothed annuli.

43. In acircular loom, the combination with the loom framework, of a plurality of superimposed shuttle mechanisms, each consisting of a pair of trackways having opposmg traction surfaces, a shuttle frame revoluble between said traction surfaces, and shuttles carried by said frame and means for driving said shuttle frames, said means consisting of toothed annuli surrounding each frame between said trackways, driving shafts extending in proximity to all of said shuttle mechanisms, a plurality of pinions carried by said shafts so that each one of said pinions meshes with one of said an- I reciprocating frames and heddle bars carried thereby, and the sets of frames for one shuttle mechanism sliding within the sets offrames for the next shuttle mechanism.

45. In a circular loom, the combinatioin with the 100m framework, of a plurality of superimposed shuttle mechanisms operative in said framework, and a set of heddle mechanisms for each of said shuttle mechanisms, said heddle mechanisms being disposed 

